Women & Influence 2006: Saturday, November 18, 9:00 am–2:00 pm
A WOMENS WAY Conference

Trying to Make Ends Meet: Challenges Facing Low-wage Women and Families

Women & Influence 2006 is a FREE half-day conference focusing on the challenges facing low-income families in America. It is designed to advance the dialogue about public and private policies that would allow all families to thrive.

Registration deadline: November 13, 2006

Register now at www.womensway.org/events.asp

Women & Influence is underwritten by the Citizens Bank Foundation and hosted by the Institute for Public Affairs at Temple University.

Community Women’s Fund Begins Second Grant-making Cycle

This fall marks the second grant-making cycle for WOMENS WAY’s Community Women’s Fund, our innovative and exciting open grant-making program for agencies run by and for women in the Delaware Valley. The Community Women’s Fund provides substantial grants to organizations that offer a myriad of services outside the scope of our member agencies.
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WOMENS WAY: On the Move

WOMENS WAY is packing its bags this winter and moving to the Avenue of the Arts. In mid-January, the WOMENS WAY offices will relocate to 123 South Broad Street, 13th floor. In celebration of our new home, we invite you to join us for an Open House on February 22, 2007 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the new space. Look for more information soon.

WOMENS WAY Leadership Named “Connectors” by LEADERSHIP Philadelphia

WOMENS WAY Board Chair Valerie Gay and Executive Director Melissa Weiler Gerber were both recently named by LEADERSHIP Philadelphia as two of the area’s 101 key “Connectors” in the region. Valerie and Melissa, along with 99 other individuals, were chosen because they exemplify high-quality leadership and concern for the common good.
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Alice Paul Institute

Spring 2006 Community Women’s Fund grantee Alice Paul Institute (API), a New Jersey-based organization devoted to educating the public about famed suffragist Alice Paul, is hosting Wintertime Tea at Paulsdale, Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 pm. Seating is limited, so reserve yours early! Call 856.231.1885 or email info@alicepaul.org to register.

The Career Wardrobe

In July, the Career Wardrobe and Viv Pickle Custom Handbag Boutique created the world’s largest handbag in celebration of the organization’s tenth anniversary. A Community Women’s Fund Spring 2006 grantee, the Career Wardrobe empowers women to successfully transition into the workforce by providing free professional clothing and personal development seminars.
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Greater Philadelphia Health Action

Greater Philadelphia Health Action (GPHA) is now running its 6th Centering Pregnancy group for Mexican women at the Southeast Health Center at 8th and Washington in South Philadelphia. This program provides prenatal care, support and education in a group setting.
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Why Not Prosper

Community Women’s Fund Spring 2006 grantee Why Not Prosper recently relocated from Norristown to a newly renovated building at 717 Chelten Avenue. Why Not Prosper provides transitional housing and supportive services to women recently released from incarceration.  Their former location provided space for up to five women. This new location will, when full, be able to accommodate up to 30 women.

Women’s Medical Fund

On October 27 and 28, Women’s Medical Fund hosted Nightmare on American Street: Right to Choose Denied, a haunted house and performance. Held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment – the Congressional rider that made abortion a near impossibility for low-income women – Nightmare on American Street was a terrifying eye-opener, depicting the difficulty of women in the U.S. who simply wish to have a safe, legal abortion.
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Help Turn Out the Vote for November 7th

Starting on Tuesday, October 24 (and running Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays until Election Day), WomenVote PA is asking volunteers to join them at the Women’s Law Project at 125 S. 9th Street, Suite 300, Philadelphia, PA 19107 to volunteer for a phone bank.  Call 215.928.9801 x207 to volunteer. For areas other than Philadelphia, phone lists can be made available for local GOTV calls (Get-Out-The-Vote).  Email or call 215.928.9801 x207 if you are interested in making calls from your area.

N.J. Requires Postpartum Depression Screening

A recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer outlined a first-of-its-kind law that took effect in October that requires New Jersey doctors to educate expectant mothers and their families about postpartum depression and screen new mothers for the disorder. Doctors and researchers say most new mothers experience occasional sadness and anxiety, known as the “baby blues,” that do not require treatment. Roughly 10 to 15 percent of new mothers suffer postpartum depression, a more serious condition that can affect a woman’s well-being and that, experts say, should be treated through therapy, group support or medication. Several states have launched awareness campaigns, including TV and radio spots, but New Jersey’s effort is by far the boldest, advocates say. The law was championed by former Gov. Richard J. Codey and his wife, Mary Jo, who had suffered from the disorder.

Yale University Joins 74 Other Colleges and Universities to Officially Ban Discrimination Based on Gender Identity

Following its September board meeting, Yale University announced its becoming the final Ivy League to adopt such protections in its employment and student admissions policies, joining Brown, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton, Columbia and Dartmouth. » read more

WOMENS WAY’s website provides up-to-date information on local career and volunteer opportunities. Be sure to visit www.womensway.org regularly for the latest postings.
For more information on career, board and volunteer opportunities click here!